Jacksonville is a city full of people who wish to be better, to have more, and to strive for happiness. Unfortunately, some believe that they can achieve that the easy way. However, the easier way can have consequences when that easier way is illegal. If one has been accused of such an illegal activity, one should obtain an experienced attorney to fight for one’s case and ensure one’s rights are protected.

According to the Florida Times-Union, an unidentified suspect robbed the Wells Fargo Bank in Regency Square in Jacksonville. The incident occurred after the suspect came into the bank, slipped a note to the teller demanding that the teller give him money, and afterwards fled on foot. The amount of money stolen has yet to be disclosed, as well as whether a weapon was involved. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the incident.

Jacksonville robbery crimes typically involve someone who needs money and in their mind, they need it now. For some, the money stolen might be used for a vacation; for others, it might be used for drugs, debts or other activities that have gotten them into trouble or will get them into trouble. Either way, the costs can be significant to one’s reputation as well as one’s freedom once one is charged for the crime.

Under Florida Statute 812.13, robbery is a felony. However, the degree of felony in which the person is charged will be determined by whether a weapon was involved in the robbery and what type of weapon if one was involved. If the accused committed the crime with a firearm, the punishment goes considerably up, making the charge a first degree felony punishable by up to life imprisonment. However, if no gun is involved, the crime is a second degree felony, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison.

In this case, it is unclear whether a weapon was involved or not. This may seem to be a problem for the possible defendant; however, the fact that the a gun is not yet to be determined to be involved presents a great opportunity for one’s defense. If one can show or attempt to show that no gun was involved, one might possibly beat the charge, or at least lessen the punishment of the charge.

Many times in pre-trial litigation and negotiations, the State will attempt to show the accused that they have a stack of charges that they can prove on the accused. However, most of the time, this is not the case. The State will attempt to scare those who can be scared, into submission and thus a guilty plea. However, if one obtains an experienced Jacksonville theft crimes defense attorney to fight for one’s case, one can ensure that one’s rights will be protected and that one will not be bullied by the State into taking a plea on a charge that the State cannot prove.

A gun can change the punishments by a monumental degree, and if the State can prove one had a gun at the time the crime occurred, one may be finished. Fortunately for someone in this situation, if one obtains an experienced attorney, one can make sure that one’s options are known, one’s facts are presented correctly, and one’s defenses will hold in court and be able to make the charge beatable or the punishment more favorable to the accused.

The Forbess Law Firm has been aiding clients who face criminal charges in Jacksonville for more than a decade and are here to provide aggressive criminal defense to anyone accused of a crime. If you or a loved one require a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer, contact our firm today. We are available through our website or by calling us at 904-634-0900.